Buddhism is a religion without a god or a creed, yet it's a way of life for four hundred million. It seeks
no converts and strives only to relieve suffering. This blog offers no high teaching but only practical observations, mostly about the daily news. You can write me at familyhelpaz@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Steve Jobs, Thinking Different, and Buddhism

Long before Steve Jobs became the CEO of Apple and one of the most recognizable figures on the planet, he took a unconventional route to find himself -- a spiritual journey that influenced every step of an unconventional career.

Jobs, who died Wednesday at the age of 56 of pancreatic cancer, was the biological child of two unmarried academics who only consented to signing the papers if the adoptive parents sent him to college.

His adoptive parents sent a young Jobs off to Reed College, an expensive liberal arts school in Oregon, but he dropped out and went to India in 1973 in search of enlightenment.

Jobs and his college friend Daniel Kottke, who later worked for him at Apple, visited Neem Karoli Baba at his Kainchi Ashram. He returned home to California a Buddhist, complete with a shaved head and traditional Indian clothing and a philosophy that may have shaped much of his corporate values.

The Practical Buddhist Responds

Finally. A hero with substance. The Practical Buddhist is sick of Lindsey Lohan and Amanda Knox and Casey Anthony and Charlie Sheen. Why are these people so fascinating? Why do they merit hours of international prime time?

Steve Jobs, Buddhist or not, lived a life worth studying. He listened to his own heart. He led with creativity and compassion. His designs brought visual/tactile beauty to the electronic devices that surround us.

With his commitment to Focus and Simplicity, Jobs was a substantial hero.